Sample of Challenges & Opportunities

There will be some tittering in the classroom when students first encounter all the pet names that the Wife of Bath has for her private bits. Go ahead; indulge in the laughter.

If there is one thing that Ms. Alisoun would advocate, it is openness about all things sexual. She does not shy away from telling the young men secrets to keeping a woman happy (give her control in the bedroom or over the purse) or from being frank about her absolute love of bedroom antics. This is sure to make the younger students blush or giggle – or come after class and ask if they really have to read or write about such a salacious work. Remind them that the Wife is asserting her power in the only place most women in the 14th century have it: the bedroom. You are not asking them to live it; just read it.